SCRATCHING ON UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
Cats usually scratch to mark their territory so be sure to keep scratching posts available in areas where they like to stay. Dogs claws tend to make dents, rather than scratches, in upholstery fabric. It would be very helpful to remember to keep your pets nails trimmed regularly as well.
Some suggestions for a pet friendly upholstery fabric for animals that like to scratch:
Microfiber or Ultrasuede
This type of synthetic upholstery fabric usually will not show scratches and even if it does, they are relatively easy to brush or buff away.
Leather
Cats tend to avoid leather, especially if a scratching post is nearby. Dog scratches can usually be buffed out. Distressed leather could be an option since it will draw less attention to scratches.
Urine ‘accidents’ are expected, especially with young puppies until they are house trained, and with older pets that may become incontinent.
Urine on upholstered furniture is a problem which cannot always be mitigated successfully, even with professional cleaning. If the urine goes into the stuffing or, even worse, if there is foam, it cannot be removed by normal cleaning methods because cleaning procedures cannot reach the stuffing or foam. (Foam will act like a sponge and hold the urine).
Various methods of sanitizing are only temporary at best. Cats tend to urinate in the crevices of furniture, making it very difficult to detect (other than the odor) and remove. You may find urine from smaller dogs on the upholstery skirts. Re-upholstering, in the long run, may be the only option.
The sooner the urine is blotted up, the less damage will be done. One option that may be a last resort is to place the furniture outside in hot sunlight (covering the fabric to protect it from sun fading). The sunlight will eventually neutralize the odor, although there is no way to know how long it will take.
Again, Leather may be the best option to prevent urine damage, (though leather that is saturated with urine will be permanently damaged). Leather does have the advantage of being resistant to odor.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEEKING PET FRIENDLY UPHOLSTERY FABRIC
PET HAIR
CLEANABILITY
DURABILITY
Is velvet couch good for dogs?
Velvet. If you’re looking for a high-maintenance fabric, then velvet is what you want. Your soft velvet-upholstered sofa or chaise lounge will act like a magnet, attracting dog and cat hair, even if your pet is across the room. Yes, velvet does exude sophistication and class.
The BEST Upholstery Fabric……Kids & Pets!!
When it comes to having pets, pet shedding may be the only thing you wish you could change about your furry friend. Although polyester doesnt attract as much pet hair as other materials, youll still notice the hair on the fabric. Instead of investing in expensive vacuums, pet hair products or de-shedding tools, there is one item that will successfully remove all pet hair in a few seconds. The best part about this product: If you dont already have it in your home, you can purchase it for just a few bucks.
Rub your hands over the entire polyester fabric. Watch as the rubber gloves grab hold of all the fur.
Dip your rubber-gloved hands into the bucket of water. The hair will be removed and float to the top of the water. Take off the gloves, and dump the water onto your lawn.
Andrea Griffith has been writing professionally since 2005. Her work has been published by the “Western Herald,” Detroit WDIV, USAToday and other print, broadcast and online publications. Although she writes about a wide range of topics, her areas of expertise include fashion, beauty, technology and education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English from Western Michigan University.